Tsavo East is one of the largest national parks in the world, a vast, flat and open expanse of red-dust plains and bush that feels very wild. It is drier and more open than Tsavo West, so animals are easier to see, and the huge herds of elephant, powdered red by the soil, are among the most photographed in Kenya.
The Galana River flows through the park, with Lugard Falls and the Crocodile Point lookout, and the Yatta Plateau, one of the longest lava flows in the world, runs along the western edge. The famous man-eating lions of Tsavo lived near here.
The park suits travellers who prefer space and silence, and links easily with Tsavo West, Amboseli and the Kenyan coast.
Tsavo East has big herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, Maasai giraffe and Coke’s hartebeest, and its dry country holds gerenuk, lesser kudu and fringe-eared oryx. Lions are impressive and often hunt on the open flats, while leopards and cheetah are present. Hippo and crocodile live in the Galana River.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The park is a vast mosaic of red plains, acacia, baobab and commiphora scrub, cut by the green line of the Galana River. The Yatta Plateau is a dark ridge that runs for hundreds of kilometres.
Activities here
Tsavo East is hot and dry for most of the year, with daytime temperatures of 30°C to 34°C. The rains come from March to May and in November and December.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 20 | 40 |
| Feb | 33 | 21 | 30 |
| Mar | 34 | 22 | 60 |
| Apr | 32 | 22 | 150 |
| May | 31 | 21 | 70 |
| Jun | 30 | 19 | 10 |
| Jul | 29 | 18 | 10 |
| Aug | 30 | 18 | 10 |
| Sep | 31 | 19 | 10 |
| Oct | 32 | 20 | 40 |
| Nov | 31 | 21 | 130 |
| Dec | 31 | 21 | 80 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October is the driest and coolest time, with plenty of wildlife near the river and waterholes. January and February are hot and dry.
The rains green the plains and bring migrant birds. Roads can be muddy, and the bush is thicker, but the park is quiet and photogenic.
June to October and January to February are the best months for game viewing. The green season is lovely for birdwatching and photography.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
The main Voi gate is about 335 kilometres from Nairobi, a drive of five to six hours, and about 150 kilometres from Mombasa, which takes around two and a half to three hours. Light aircraft fly to airstrips in the park. It links by road with Tsavo West.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Tsavo East is hot and dry, so bring sun protection and plenty of water. Tsetse flies can be a nuisance, so wear neutral clothes. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
Tsavo East works best as a two or three night stop between Nairobi and the coast, and for travellers who want space and quiet more than a crowded river crossing.
Safaris from
US$1,410 per person
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